News
Countries apart from the U.S offering ‘golden visa’ in exchange for investments
Investors who contribute at least 2 million dirhams ($544,602) to the UAE economy can qualify for a long-term residence permit, commonly known as the UAE golden visa.
Many countries offer “golden visas” or similar schemes to attract foreign capital.
Below are some of the most notable programs worldwide:
Europe
1. Greece – Introduced in 2013, Greece’s program grants permanent residency to individuals who invest a minimum of €250,000 ($262,800) in real estate. Residency permits are renewable every five years.
2. Malta – Foreign nationals can acquire citizenship by contributing at least €600,000 to Malta’s economic development, with a required residence period of at least 36 months.
3. Italy – Italy’s golden visa grants residency to investors contributing between €250,000 and €2 million, with visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Cyprus – Requires a minimum investment of €300,000 for foreign nationals seeking residency.
Middle East
4. United Arab Emirates – Investors who contribute at least 2 million dirhams ($544,602) to the UAE economy can qualify for a long-term residence permit, commonly known as the UAE golden visa.
Caribbean
Several Caribbean nations offer citizenship in exchange for economic contributions:
5. Dominica – A minimum investment of $200,000 secures citizenship for applicants and their families.
6. Grenada – Requires an investment of at least $235,000 and grants visa-free travel to several countries, including China, Russia, and the Schengen Area.
7. St. Kitts and Nevis – One of the oldest programs, established in 1984, requires a $250,000 contribution in exchange for full citizenship.
8 Saint Lucia – A minimum investment of $240,000 grants full citizenship, subject to due diligence checks.
9. Antigua and Barbuda – Citizenship is granted to applicants over 18 who invest at least $230,000.
Asia.
10 Thailand – The Thailand Privilege Residence Program offers residency for up to 20 years with a minimum investment of 650,000 baht ($19,299).
Additionally, a Long-Term Residence Program provides 10-year visas for investments starting at 50,000 baht.
11. Indonesia – Launched in 2024, Indonesia’s program offers a 10-year visa to foreign investors contributing up to $10 million, granting them access to the country’s economic opportunities.
News
JAMB releases Thursday’s UTME results
In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with a total of 632,788 results now available for viewing.
In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.
JAMB clarified that at this stage, candidates can only view their results, as printing options are not yet available.
It also issued a strong warning against attempts to manipulate or alter result messages received from official channels, stressing that such actions constitute a criminal offence.
The Board added that it is already taking action against offenders, revealing that some suspects are currently in custody.
“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law,” it stated.
News
Arise TV Deputy Director News Win Editor of The Year Award
The award’s: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”
Deputy Director of News, Arise TV, Ohi OIdiai, has won Editor Of The Year 2026 Awards category, courtsey of The Industry Newspaper.
In a statement, the organiser said that the award was: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”
Details later…
News
JUST IN: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget
……Extends 2025 Implementation to June 30
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given assent to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a record aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the fiscal year.
The President also signed legislation extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget specifically its capital component from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
According to details of the new budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated for statutory transfers, while debt service is pegged at ₦15.8 trillion. Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦15.4 trillion, with the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure receiving ₦32.2 trillion.
Capital spending thus accounts for approximately 50 percent of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, national security, economic stability, and inclusive growth.
A statement from the State House described the allocations as striking a strategic balance between mandatory obligations, debt servicing, day-to-day government operations, and productive capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
President Tinubu also assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which formally extends the 2025 capital projects window. Officials said the extension will allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete advanced-stage infrastructure and development projects, improve execution rates, and deliver better value for public funds.
The 2026 Appropriation Act takes effect from April 1, 2026, paving the way for full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President has directed all MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient use of resources, with strict emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.
President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, describing it as a demonstration of diligence, cooperation, and patriotism.
He reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches to advance national development goals.
The President further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to deepening fiscal reforms, boosting revenue generation, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening social protection programmes.
The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, on April 17, 2026.
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